Content

Food policy affects the structure and operation of food systems and is essential to help protect and promote public health. This unit focuses on the core food policy reference standards (Dietary Guidelines, food selection guides, Nutrient Reference Values) and how food policy and its interventions can by developed, implemented and evaluated to achieve these reference standards. Food has health, economic, social and cultural meanings and consequently food policy often is contested and political - the unit explores the role of evidence and politics in food policy-making. Topical food policy case studies are used to illustrate these concepts, for example policy activities to: protect food security and promote healthy and sustainable diets; prevent obesity and other chronic diseases; and protect public health in food regulation related to food fortification and food labelling.